Football Tasmania is calling on councils to give high priority to sporting infrastructure upgrades when applying for $150 million worth of interest free loans available to councils as part of the Tasmanian Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said facility upgrades would not only provide welcome economic stimulus during the COVID-19-related economic downturn, it would also result in improved facilities for when it’s safe to play sport again.
“While all community sports have been hit hard by COVID-19, a silver lining exists in the opportunity to upgrade facilities at a time when grounds, changing rooms and spectator areas aren’t being used for sports,” he said.
“Not only will these upgrades provide a boost to jobs and the economy, but grassroots sport will be in a position to bounce back stronger than ever after the pandemic and return to providing the community health and social benefits which have been sorely missed over these past few months.
“Football Tasmania has been communicating with councils across the state regarding a number of shovel ready projects we believe will deliver the most community benefit if pushed forward.
“From a football perspective, many venues across the state have been in need of infrastructure upgrades for far too long with inadequate changing facilities and insufficient access to playing surfaces acting as the major barriers.
“I would encourage all councils to make the most of this opportunity to upgrade sporting facilities and help turn a negative situation into a big future positive for the community.
“Doing so will pave the way for community sport to help Tasmanians get back to the normal, healthy life we know and love once the time is right.”